Ed and Amy Kronsberg

Being involved in the legacy program is very important to us. Our community is essential. We love the Charleston community, we love the Jewish community, and the opportunity to give back when we’re no longer here is a wonderful way to make sure the values and the things that are important to us are able to continue.

There is the story of Honi, the story of the man wandering through the countrywide, planting carob trees. And somebody comes along and says 'why are you planting this carob tree? You’re never going to see it bear fruit.' And he said 'before me, people planted carob trees, and I’ve enjoyed the fruit of those trees, and I want to plant these not for myself but for my sons and those who come after me.’ That little parable from the Talmud has been one of those things that sticks in my head, and it really is about the values and the things that are important to me. To instill those on my kids and hopefully that they’ll instill them on their children that come after them.

When my stepfather Nathan Addlestone passed away, I gave a eulogy. One of the things that he had said, I just sort of paraphrased: ‘most people live unselfish lives, surviving one day at a time. They are without means to evoke change outside of their own immediate family or friends, let alone help strangers in their community.’

Nathan felt strongly, as do I, that those who can help, should help. If you don’t, you’re denying yourself the greatest opportunity life can offer, which is tikkun olam, to help change the world, and in turn, give yourself, give your life, a true meaning.

That’s why we give back, that’s why we participate in Life and Legacy. It’s not for us. It’s for the generations that come after us, so that they can benefit from all the opportunities that we’ve had plus more.

– Ed Kronsberg